This paper explores the theory of Natalism which proposes that the symbolic expression of birth and prenatal consciousness can be found in art, mythology, and creative expression. Through clinical and empirical evidence our knowledge of the origins of awareness and memory is being pushed ever earlier. If pre- and perinatal experience affects personality, then we should see its tentacles in creative expression. Art flows from the deepest realms of the unconscious where the early roots of the human psyche are most active.

This program is geared towards raising a level of concern for the expectant parent about childbirth preparation, and the infant itself as an individual. The Music Therapy-Assisted Childbirth program attempts to facilitate 1) a reduction of stress for the working mother-to-be, in preparation for the birthing process, and 2) a more positive interaction between mother and child in the postnatal period.

This paper deals with three significant parameters of Pre- and Peri-Natal Psychology from a research perspective. First, the development and function of the CNS is examined with particular emphasis on myelination, audiology, EEG studies and neonatal behaviour. Next, advances in our knowledge of intrauterine learning are reviewed. Lastly, the effect of perinatal trauma on personality development is considered.

This paper describes early research and current trends in prenatal brain growth, development of the auditory system, and characteristics of the fetal environment including auditory stimuli. Questions which initiated the investigator's longitudinal study of pre and postnatal response to musical stimuli are discussed.

The protocol for the research, nature of specific musical stimulus sources, pre and postnatal behavioral response, and implications for accelerated musical and speech development are discussed.

This article describes the basic parameters of psychotherapy for infants and children. The essential core of the therapy is described as relational, requiring empathy and compassionate contact. Fundamental techniques to uncover pre- and perinatal trauma are discussed, and research results from 15 years of development and evaluation are summarized. Successful treatment requires cooperative efforts of parents, physicians, nurses, midwives, psychotherapists, chiropractors, cranial osteopaths, and others.

Support for psychiatric research is limited to a relatively small number of funding sources. Foundations-nonprofit entities that support a variety of social, medical, educational, and other activities-are a potentially important source. The authors describe the role and structure of foundations, discuss historical trends in foundation support for research in mental illness, and present the results of a study of the extent to which foundations support mental health research.